The Namibia National Students Organisation (Nanso) convened its National Students Caucus last Thursday in Windhoek, bringing together Student Representative Councils, Trainee Representative Councils and students from various institutions across the country.
The meeting focused on addressing the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) and, by extension, the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture (MEIYSAC)’s failure to address the pressing funding needs of students and trainees.
According to a statement released by Nanso, the organisation has taken note of the ministerial statement released on 29 May 2026, including the apology extended to students, trainees and institutions.
However, the organisation believes the statement lacks actionable steps to ensure that students and trainees receive their tuition and non-tuition fees urgently.
According to the student body, an apology does not allow a student to write examinations when institutions require at least 50% payment of tuition fees.
They further argue that statements alone do not assist struggling students who are unable to access examination venues due to a lack of transport fare, food or accommodation.
The caucus resolved that students and trainees would no longer remain patient while awaiting payments that were publicly promised by NSFAF. The fund had committed to commencing all tuition and non-tuition payments from 28 April 2026.
Nanso president Dorthea Nangolo said: “The students therefore demand that the Ministry, through NSFAF, disburse all outstanding tuition and non-tuition payments owed to students by close of business on Wednesday, 3 June 2026. This demand is final and non-negotiable.”
She added that delayed payments and non-performance had become a recurring concern for students.
“We therefore invite all students and trainees of Namibia to join in upholding our right to fully subsidised tertiary education. To this end, the vanguard movement will continue to mobilise, advocate and transform,” Nangolo said.
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